Pronunciation: ˌ g ə -t ə - ' p ə r-ch ə
Function: noun
Etymology: Malay g ĕ tah-p ĕ rcha, from g ĕ tah sap, latex + p ĕ rcha scrap, rag
Date: 1845
: a tough plastic substance from the latex of several Malaysian trees (genera Payena and Palaquium ) of the sapodilla family that resembles rubber but contains more resin and is used especially as insulation and in dentistry in temporary fillings